Cornering the Liar

KALLIRA

The screen of my phone cast a harsh, blue glare against the stone walls of the shadowed alcove. I stood alone in the dim quiet, staring at the short string of text Valerius had sent. I read his stark message twice, letting the glowing words burn into my mind. He had laid out the reality of my situation, pushing me toward a decision with ruthless efficiency. I left the message unanswered,